Dacorum Borough Council appoints new chief executive

Dacorum Borough Council has announced the appointment of Claire Hamilton as the new chief executive of the council.

Claire, who has over 25 years’ experience of working in the public sector, will take up her role later this year, the current chief executive, Sally Marshall, will retire from her post at the end of October after 35 years of local government service.

Sally originally joined Dacorum Borough Council in 2008 to take up the role of corporate director for Finance and Governance.

In November 2013 Sally became the council's first female chief executive, and has led the council through a decade of unprecedented change.

Cllr Andrew Williams, leader of the council said: “Claire brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in housing, regeneration and economic development to Dacorum.

"This experience gained from senior roles in a number of local authorities will be a real benefit to Dacorum, and help shape our response to the Covid-19 recovery phase, and implementation of the Corporate Plan 2020-2025.

"I look forward to working with Claire as we take forward our ambitious plans to deliver for our residents, businesses and our communities."

Claire was one of six candidates, shortlisted from 33 high calibre applicants. Candidates were put through a process of technical assessments, stakeholder sessions and a rigorous process of panel, committee and one-to-one interviews.

Claire said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been chosen to work with Dacorum Borough Council, and its partners, residents and businesses to ensure the very best outcomes for local communities.

"We are living through unprecedented times and local government is facing significant challenges as well as opportunities.

"I am looking forward to joining the council in the autumn to support the leader, councillors and staff to continue to deliver excellent services and to help shape and regenerate Dacorum for the future."